Bryant, AR Tornado History — 148 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Bryant, AR had?
Bryant has had 148 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 15 violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Bryant?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Bryant was an EF1 on April 20, 2025.
When is tornado season in Bryant?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Bryant, with 39 on record. Spring through early summer (April–June) generally sees the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Bryant
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 51 total, averaging 2.5 per year over this window.
Tornadoes by Decade
Tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita Rating
F0–F5 ratings (pre-2007) are grouped with their EF equivalents. The Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale in February 2007.
Tornadoes by Month
Casualties on Record Near Bryant
52 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Bryant since 1950, across 13 events. 869 injuries have been reported across all events. 2014 was the deadliest year on record.
The deadliest single event was an EF4 on April 27, 2014, which caused 16 fatalities along a 41.1-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Bryant
About Tornadoes in Bryant
This overview was written April 23, 2026. The tornado counts and notable-event figures elsewhere on this page reflect the latest data and may differ from this summary.
Bryant, Arkansas, sits in a region where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico frequently collides with cooler continental systems, creating conditions favorable for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. According to NOAA Storm Prediction Center records, 138 tornadoes have been documented within 25 miles of Bryant since 1950, with activity increasing notably in recent decades. The 2000s saw 33 tornadoes, the highest count of any decade on record, followed by 28 in the 2010s. April stands out as the peak month for tornado activity, accounting for 34 events, reflecting the broader spring severe weather season when atmospheric dynamics are most conducive to supercell development.
The tornadoes recorded near Bryant span the full range of intensity on the Enhanced Fujita scale, which rates tornadoes from EF0 to EF5 based on damage indicators. Most events have been relatively weak, with 31 rated EF0 and 55 rated EF1. However, the area has also experienced 40 EF2 tornadoes, 8 EF3 tornadoes, and 3 EF4 tornadoes. The EF4 category represents wind speeds estimated between 166 and 200 mph, capable of causing severe structural damage to well-built homes and leveling less sturdy buildings.
The deadliest and costliest tornado on record occurred on April 28, 2014, when an EF4 tornado carved a 41.1-mile path with a maximum width of 1,320 yards. This violent tornado claimed 16 lives and caused $223,450,000 in property damage. Another significant event took place on April 25, 2011, when an EF2 tornado traveled 51.3 miles with a maximum width of 2,900 yards, the widest tornado documented in the area. That storm resulted in 4 fatalities and $53,405,000 in damage. The longest-tracked tornado near Bryant was an F2 that traveled 53.8 miles on April 18, 1978, though it caused no fatalities.
Tornado activity near Bryant has continued into the current decade, with 6 tornadoes recorded in the 2020s thus far. The most recent event was an EF1 tornado on April 20, 2025, which traveled 7.7 miles with a maximum width of 350 yards and fortunately caused no injuries or property damage. The historical record underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness during the spring and early summer months when tornado risk is highest in central Arkansas.